Does Michael Jackson's new album honor his legacy?

Does Michael Jackson's new album honor his legacy?
The reviews are in for the superstar's album of previously unreleased material, "Michael." Is it a worthy coda to the King of Pop's career?
posted on December 16, 2010, at 7:30 AM
Fans may be ecstatic over the release of the posthumous album

Fans may be ecstatic over the release of the posthumous album "Michael," but critics wonder if there is any of the real Michael Jackson to be found in its tracks. Photo: Corbis

Best Opinion: Entertainment Weekly, LA Times, Wash. Post

Nearly a year and half after his death, Michael Jackson has a new album out this week. The record, simply titled "Michael," is a collection of previously unreleased material, unfinished tracks, and B-sides, mostly from the latter stages of the megastar's career. But "Michael" has stirred considerable controversy, with critics saying the vocals have been manipulated so much that it's not clear it's actually Jackson singing, and fans and celebrities have expressed outrage that the material is even seeing the light of day. Is "Michael" any good — and would the superstar have approved of it?

It is not bad, but leaves you wondering: "Michael" is "arguably stronger" than Jackson's 2001 release, Invincible, says Leah Greenblatt at Entertainment Weekly. It's a "solid" effort "as far as musical epitaphs go" — the "airy, danceable" track "Monster" is a highlight. But Jackson was famously a perfectionist in the studio, and listening to the album, "it's hard not to not wonder what he would have done differently — or if he would have wanted us to hear it at all."
"Michael"

This should not be part of Jackson's legacy: There isn't much reason to pick up this "10-track batch of Jackson leftovers," says Chris Richards at The Washington Post. Obviously, the King of Pop couldn't personally approve the album, but "many of these tunes are bland enough to make you wonder if he had any hand in it at all." To pass off these pale imitations as real Michael Jackson songs is "sickening stuff."
"Album review: Michael Jackson, 'Michael'"

It underscores the mystery surrounding Michael: The album "can't help but feel like the work of zombie hands," says Margaret Wappler at The Los Angeles Times. The posthumous production process, which involves "many different creators," raises "as many questions as it answers." It's anyone's guess what Jackson would have done with the songs, and that unknowability reminds listeners that he's "still a mystery, the ultimate phantasmagoria of pop music."
"Album review: Michael Jackson's 'Michael'"

MUSIC REVIEW : R Kelly's Love Letter

The best selling R&B artist of the decade , R Kelly is back with a brand new album.

What is interesting to see in this new album by R Kelly is that , Kelly is back in the production of the songs in full swing.

All the songs are produced by R Kelly himself.

Remember the last studio album of R Kelly - Untitled had a bunch of new producers.

The Album begins with Love Letter , this song has a fantastic start with Kelly reciting those lovely words.But overall its an average opening track.

The next track in the album is Number One Hit , this song is better than the previous one . It has catchy beats.


Now the fun really begins from Lost In Your Love , beautifully written and composed. The melody stays with you.

R Kelly has done an outstanding job, both as a producer and as the lead singer.

This track is going to be loved by the young Kelly fans in particular and also by his old loyal fans.

The fun continues with Just Can't Get Enough , brilliant vocals and arrangements. People will love this song if it is well promoted.

The next song Taxi Cab , is just an average song with heavy arrangements.


But the next track Radio Message is another treat to hear. R Kelly fans have something to enjoy for a long time. This song stays in your mind. Again R Kelly's vocals shines like a bright sun.

Rest of the songs are average to good with few exceptions like How Do I Tell Her? , this song straightly comes from R Kelly's heart. The ending of this song is a treat to listen.


Over all the album is excellent in every department and R Kelly has a winner in his hand. I hope Kelly takes all effort to promote this album.

Unlike many of Kelly's other albums, this album is having better lyrics and adult rated lyrics are avoided.

I hope the masses will like this album and this album has everything to increase the fan base of Kelly.

The album is likely to have a tough battle with Michael Jackson's Michael at the charts.

Overall : 9/10.

EDWARD NORTON SIGNS UP FOR HULK 2

Hollywood star EDWARD NORTON is set to play the lead in the new film version of the INCREDIBLE HULK, reports claim.

Norton, 37, is set to take over from MUNICH star ERIC BANA, who played the role of BRUCE BANNER and the big green superhero in the first movie, HULK.

However, industry insiders have revealed that the two films will be quite different, with the new movie aiming to be closer to the original comics and less serious than the first.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent," said Marvel Studios' production president, according to Empire magazine

"His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner and the Hulk."

The original film was released in 2003, but despite a good start it failed to reach the heights of other Marvel film releases, such as SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN.

But the new film, which will see Banner return as the man trying to cure the condition which turns him into the Hulk, is likely to be more comic-book friendly on its release on June 13th 2008.

TRAVOLTA WON'T SHOW HIS BUTT

Movie star JOHN TRAVOLTA will be shaping up before anyone gets to see his butt in a film. The actor refused to show his behind while filming a nude scene in current film WILD HOGS, because it isn't toned enough. The PULP FICTION star says, "Bill MACy (William H MACey) was the only one who was meant to have a close-up and the rest of us were meant to be in the background. "I don't know if I'm in good enough shape for a nude scene." But he hasn't ruled out the possibility completely. He says, "If I'm ever going to show my booty, I want it to be in good shape and I feel I have more work to do."

JACKSON RECALLS TRIAL OF THE CENTURY WITH 50 CENT

MICHAEL JACKSON and 50 CENT are reportedly working on a new single, called TRIAL OF THE CENTURY. The track covers Jackson's legal and personal woes from the last few years, including his child molestation trial. Meanwhile, AllHipHop.com reports the pop superstar is getting into the street mixtape market under the name THE MJ UNIT. 50 Cent is the latest big name to be connected to Jackson's comeback album. The THRILLER star has also been working with AKON, will.i.am and CHRIS BROWN, among others.

EMI and Beatles settle royalty dispute

By Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - The company representing The Beatles has settled a 30 million-pound royalty dispute with EMI Group, in a deal that could finally pave the way for the Liverpool band's music to go online.

Apple Corps, the company owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, said in December 2005 it would sue the record company after negotiations broke down.

Apple Corps said an audit had determined EMI had not been fulfilling the terms of its contract.

"We have settled on mutually acceptable terms and there will be no further comment," a spokeswoman for EMI said. A spokeswoman for Apple Corps said the deal had been agreed last month but would not give any further details.

Apple and EMI previously fought a separate, decade-long courtroom battle over royalties and other issues which was resolved out of court in 1989.

The announcement follows the settlement in February of another legal dispute -- a trademark disagreement between Apple Corps and computer and iPod company Apple Inc. which was also seen as key to putting the group's music online.

The Beatles have been one of the last big acts to hold out from putting their music on the Internet. Elton John said last month he would make more than 30 of his albums available for digital download

By Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - The company representing The Beatles has settled a 30 million-pound royalty dispute with EMI Group, in a deal that could finally pave the way for the Liverpool band's music to go online.

Apple Corps, the company owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, said in December 2005 it would sue the record company after negotiations broke down.

Apple Corps said an audit had determined EMI had not been fulfilling the terms of its contract.

"We have settled on mutually acceptable terms and there will be no further comment," a spokeswoman for EMI said. A spokeswoman for Apple Corps said the deal had been agreed last month but would not give any further details.

Apple and EMI previously fought a separate, decade-long courtroom battle over royalties and other issues which was resolved out of court in 1989.

The announcement follows the settlement in February of another legal dispute -- a trademark disagreement between Apple Corps and computer and iPod company Apple Inc. which was also seen as key to putting the group's music online.

The Beatles have been one of the last big acts to hold out from putting their music on the Internet. Elton John said last month he would make more than 30 of his albums available for digital download